Relax and enjoy your coffee thanks to a side awning
The side awning is an incredibly popular alternative to sidewalls made of solid materials such as glass or polycarbonate, because it looks summery and inviting, in addition to protecting you from the prying eyes of your neighbors. Do you want to enjoy your time on the terrace undisturbed and unobserved, whether it’s Saturday morning with a nice cup of coffee or in the evening at the barbecue with your friends? Then the side awning is exactly the right option for you. It not only protects you from the annoying looks of the neighbors, but also brings other advantages.
The advantages of a side awning
Individual protection from the side
A side awning is an ideal addition to a patio cover or awning, as not everything that can bother us on the patio always comes from above. Most side awnings can be extended, so they are customizable and protect or cover just as much as you want.
Windbreak
They serve as a wind barrier which can also make your patio warmer because it is more sheltered and there is not as much air circulation. This is especially beneficial in the spring, fall or any other day with lower temperatures.
Rain protection
Rain does not always fall on your terrace from above, especially when a light wind blows, the damp and unwanted drops usually look for a way past the roofing from the side. With a side awning, however, you are also protected from sideways rain and thus do not have to retreat deeper under your roofing to escape the rain.
Sun protection
You’re sitting comfortably on your patio, your canopy has protected you from the sun all day, but you know what’s going to happen in a few moments. The sun is pushing further over the horizon, the canopy can’t stop it, and it’s stinging your eyes in complete discomfort. With a side awning, you won’t have this problem, as it can act as a full-fledged glare shield against the sun’s low rays.
Protection from nosy neighbors
Who doesn’t know them, the nosy neighbors whose eyes linger more in your garden or on your patio than on their own property? You can put a stop to that with a side awning, as they act as a handy privacy screen. In addition, they are also able to muffle spoken conversations and other noises a bit.
Easy installation
Side awnings are particularly easy and simple to install and fix, which is another plus point for this great weather protection. Especially for amateur craftsmen, it should be a simple matter to install the side awning stably and securely.
Robust awning box
A robust awning box is very important, as it provides stability and protects the fabric from all external influences when retracted. Ideally, it is made of powder-coated aluminum, because this metal is extremely robust, weather and corrosion resistant. In order for the fabric of the side awning to live up to its very long life, it must be optimally protected with a secure box.
How much wind can a side awning withstand?
We can’t give a definite answer to this question, as it varies with each product. Basically, each side awning has a certain wind resistance and can withstand light gusts of wind. However, for more accurate information, side awnings are usually divided into certain resistance classes, ranging from 0 to 3. For example, a class 0 product can barely withstand wind, while a class 2 resistance product can withstand winds up to level 5. However, we recommend that when the wind force is higher, it is better to retract the awning and securely fasten it.
What you should consider before buying your side awning
A good climate with the landlord or the neighbors is always important, so you should discuss beforehand whether you are allowed to install a side awning at all. As already mentioned, most of the side awnings can be extended, so you should think about how long and big it should be before buying it, in order to protect and shield your terrace effectively. Also, if you already have a patio cover or awning, you should consider whether you want to integrate the side awning directly into it or rather place it separately.